At The Physio Hub in Collingwood, ON, we are committed to helping our clients overcome a variety of health challenges, including balance and dizziness disorders. Two conditions that can severely impact your sense of balance are vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. These inner ear disorders cause vertigo, dizziness, and other unsettling symptoms, but with the right care and rehabilitation, recovery is possible.
In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis, the typical recovery timeline, and how physiotherapy can help you regain your balance and return to normal life.
What is the Difference Between Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis?
While both vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis affect the inner ear and can cause dizziness, they are distinct conditions:
- Vestibular Neuritis: This condition is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for sending signals about balance from the inner ear to the brain. Vestibular neuritis leads to symptoms such as intense dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues, but typically does not affect hearing.
- Labyrinthitis: In contrast, labyrinthitis involves inflammation of both the vestibular nerve and the cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing. In addition to dizziness and balance problems, labyrinthitis often leads to hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
While both conditions share similar symptoms, the key difference is that labyrinthitis affects both balance and hearing, whereas vestibular neuritis primarily impacts balance.
Does Vestibular Neuritis Eventually Go Away?
Yes, vestibular neuritis does eventually go away in most cases, but the recovery process can take weeks to months depending on the severity. While the acute phase with severe dizziness may only last a few days, balance issues and residual dizziness can persist for a longer period. Physiotherapy, particularly vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), can help accelerate the recovery process and retrain your brain to compensate for the damage to your vestibular system.
In some cases, individuals may experience ongoing balance problems, but with the right treatment plan, full recovery is achievable.
How Long Does Labyrinthitis Last?
Labyrinthitis symptoms, such as vertigo and hearing issues, usually last from a few days to several weeks. The acute phase, where symptoms are the most severe, typically lasts for a few days. Afterward, symptoms may gradually improve over the course of several weeks to months. However, lingering balance issues and mild dizziness may take longer to resolve fully.
With early intervention and vestibular rehabilitation therapy, recovery can be faster and more complete.
How Can Physiotherapy Help with Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis?
At The Physio Hub, we offer vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), a specialized form of physiotherapy designed to help individuals recover from balance disorders like vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. VRT focuses on exercises and techniques that help your brain adapt to the loss of balance input from the inner ear.
- Balance and Coordination Exercises: These exercises help improve your stability and coordination, reducing your risk of falls.
- Gaze Stabilization: Techniques to help keep your vision steady while your head moves, reducing the sensation of dizziness.
- Posture Training: Improving your posture can enhance balance and prevent falls during recovery.
- Gradual Exposure to Movements: Specific movements may trigger dizziness, so VRT gradually exposes you to these movements to help your brain adjust.
By addressing the root cause of your dizziness and balance issues, physiotherapy helps you regain control, avoid relapses, and return to your normal activities.
Take Charge of Your Recovery
If you’ve been diagnosed with vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, or if you’re experiencing persistent dizziness, we at The Physio Hub are here to help. Our team of experienced physiotherapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that promotes recovery and helps restore your balance and quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward better balance and recovery!